Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of bullying, ableism, and death.

What role does woodcarving play in Delrita’s life? Explore the significance of woodcarving at each stage of Delrita’s personal journey throughout the novel, including her interactions with Whittlin’ Walt.

Is there an antagonist in The Man Who Loved Clowns? How could different characters fit this role at different points in the story? Sometimes, an antagonist can be a concept rather than a character. What concepts could be the antagonists of this novel?

The Man Who Loved Clowns was published in 1992. What terminology, ideas, and cultural understandings mark the novel as being written in the past? How would Punky’s life be different if he lived today?